SaberCats seek elusive win against Arizona Rattlers

SAN JOSE -- The SaberCats host the first of three encounters with Arena Football League rival Arizona on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with more than bragging rights at stake.

The SaberCats (2-2) need a victory to remind themselves what it feels like to win, and to stay within reach of both the two-time defending ArenaBowl champion Rattlers (3-0) and the Spokane Shock (2-1), which handed San Jose a 73-62 defeat at home last Friday.

"We need to win a football game," San Jose coach Darren Arbet said. "Everyone's attention is on what we're doing."

Receiver Reggie Gray, who leads the AFL with 14 touchdown receptions, has noticed a difference this week as he prepares for his first SaberCats-Rattlers game.

"The atmosphere is totally different this week," Gray said. "Not only is it a rivalry game, we've lost two in a row. At this point in the season this the biggest game of the year."

Seasoned quarterback Russ Michna will be back at the helm this week after throwing three interceptions in last week's loss.

Having Gray and Rod Harper, the AFL's leading receiver with 33 catches for 408 yards, as targets will go a long way in getting Michna to form after missing San Jose's loss to the host Pittsburgh Power with concussion-like symptoms two weeks ago.

"That says a lot about Russ. He wants to be perfect," Gray said. "It's our job to pick him up."

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Michna struggled in the early going of his return to action, and Spokane took advantage, scoring the game's first three touchdowns. Michna eventually brought the SaberCats to within a touchdown before faltering.

"We can depend on all of our receivers to have a good game," Gray said. "When Jason (Willis), Huey (Whittaker), Dominic (Curry) come in, they've played great. You're not going to be able to get it done with just one receiver."

The offensive line stabilized after losing three of its players since the season started.

The SaberCats did not allow a sack against the Shock.

"We all want to be great," SaberCats veteran lineman George Bussey said. "We all work hard no matter who is in. Every game is important, but with this being a rivalry there will be a little more energy and a little bit of trash talking. If we can block, everybody else can do their jobs."